The Plan of Salvation

I had to talk to my children about death tonight.  Our dear friends, the Welters, dog passed away on Sunday.  She was very close to the children and the children loved her very much.  It was a good opportunity to talk to them about the plan of salvation.  We know where Foxie is and we know she is happy.  We are sad to see her leave this earth life and we will miss her, but she is in a great place and is with Heavenly Father, running and jumping with other dogs, just like a puppy.
All of the children cried.  I think that is the hardest part.  They loved that dog like their own.  Even Xander was having a really hard time.  It was a nice moment to put my arms around them and tell each of them how much I love them.  I don't do it enough.  I need to be better about it.  And even something like the passing of a beloved pet is a good reminder of how short this earth life is.
It just made me realize how blessed I really am and how amazing my little children are.  I am so incredible blessed to be their mother and be able to learn and grow from them as I am trying to teach them gospel principles.

Best Day Ever!

There were only three things Savannah wanted for her birthday.  She was very specific.  Very precise.  She is a kid that knows exactly what she wants and the thing she really wanted was a Tangled Cake.  Tangled, the movie, is the story of Rapunzel.  I debated on several different ideas, but she really wanted the hair coming down.  So, I made her a cake to her specifications......

 I took a picture of the tower from the movie and re-created it......I did, however, use some power tools to help me out, but I think it turned out so cute and she was THRILLED!

 I couldn't resist putting the "Wanted" poster of Flynn Rider on the tower!!!

 Her cousin, Catherine, wanted desperately to have a big birthday party, so we joined in on the family party.  She was a-ok with having the Tangled cake. ( I warned her!)

 The other two things she really wanted was a new bike and a baby carrier for her beloved doll, Flower.  One of the lines from the movie is "Best Day Ever!" as Rapunzel is thrilled to be away from the tower. Savannah kept saying this over and over again.  For a four year old, I guess it really was the "Best Day Ever!"

 Not having a lot of time for the party, I decided to do a piñata with Flynn Rider's wanted poster on the outside.  In order to break it, they had to hit it with a frying pan and wear a sleeping mask as an eye cover-up.

Everyone loved it!  It worked like a charm and it entertained children for over an hour!!!  Happy Birthday on the Best Day Ever!